68 PRACTICAL BAIT CASTING 



that automatically moves back and forth, as the handle 

 is turned, the same as a caster's thumb, and lays the 

 line on the spool evenly. In late years the mechanical 

 excellence of these reels has been greatly improved, and 

 they are now quite efficient and the prices are gradu- 

 ally being reduced. 



One of the principal causes of backlashes is uneven- 

 ly spooled lines and the level winding reels reduce this 

 trouble to a minimum. The man who casts left-handed 

 will find one of these reels a decided advantage, as it 

 eliminates the shifting of the rod to the other hand 

 preliminary to reeling in. The left-hander with a 

 level winding reel can make five casts to the ordinary 

 caster's four. These reels are also desirable for cast- 

 ing very early or very late in the season when the water 

 is cold. 



There are winding devices made to attach to ordin- 

 ary reels that act as level winders. Personally, we 

 have never used one but they seem to perform satis- 

 factorily. 



The "Beetzell" reel combines the self- thumbing, 

 open spool, free spool, level winding features, the lat- 

 ter being particularly clever. It is not engaged while 

 the line is running out but picks it up when the reel- 

 ing in begins. 



TAKE DOWN REELS 



For a number of years manufacturers have been 

 working to produce reels that can be easily taken 



